Sawyer took a deep breath. It felt like the first good breath he’d taken in hours. Gabby forgave him. He was humbled and honored. Now to win back her trust. He’d have to tread carefully for a while. Not that he planned to violate her trust again.
“Why did you sell your company?” she asked after their food arrived.
“I was bored.” He grinned. “I’d done all I wanted to do.”
“Why a club?”
“That was a happy accident. My friend Eric had been looking around for a new business venture and came to me. We toured the building and loved the idea of turning it into a club.”
“What was it before?”
“A restaurant, so we had a kitchen, and the rest was easy enough to change out.”
“The restaurant had a second floor?”
“Yeah, they used it for storage, so we opened it up. Put the DJ upstairs along with our office, and an area for people we invite who don’t want to be on the main floor.”
“It looks great. I’m glad you enjoy having the club.”
Sawyer shifted. “I was restless until I met you. It’s like everything fell into place.”
“You give me too much credit.”
He shook his head. “How do I explain what a breath of fresh air you are? I was struck by your laughter when I first saw you. So carefree. And the dancing. We fit together like we’d known each other for ages. And as we talked, it was as if I’d known you forever. You didn’t care what I did for a living. You didn’t think you were better than others.”
“That isn’t how I’m wired.”
“Right. Saturday, you were worried about how much money I spent, but the joy and excitement on your face was worth a thousand times that. Do you know how hard it was for me not to buy you things?”
“Is that why you were antsy in some of the stores? I thought you might be bored.”
“Oh no. I wanted to go behind you and buy everything you put back on the shelves. I wanted you to have every spice, sauce, knife, and anything else you wanted. I wanted to spoil you.”
“You did. No one has ever done something like what you did for me. You saw me and designed a day around what I loved. The shops, dinner, and being with you. You were the one who mattered, not what you could buy me.”
“I know. That’s part of what makes you so special.”
Gabby looked down at her empty plate. “I’m not sure I should mention this to you now, but—”
“What?” His heart skipped a beat.
“I think I told you I haven’t been happy in my job.”
“Yes, you mentioned it.”
“Well, Lindsay and I talked, and I’m moving to Seattle to do something different.”
“But you love being a chef.” She couldn’t give up a part of herself. He wouldn’t let her.
“I do. And I want to continue, only in a different capacity.”
“How?” He was curious about her plans. He would support her no matter what. Just having her closer to him wouldmake him happy, and he would make sure that happiness was reciprocated.
“I’ve been looking at private chef jobs.”
He hadn’t even thought of that. He knew some of his business associates had their own chefs. For him personally, he either ordered out or if needed, had someone cater. “How would that work for you?”
“Honestly, I’m not sure. I’ve never done anything like that, but from the job postings I’ve seen, I’m more than qualified. I’ve even applied for a couple of them already.”